Vlasic’s practices getting more physical, Mitchell sits one out and more on that Anaheim loss

DALLAS – Just a couple of minor things from practice today: Marc-Edouard Vlasic is getting involved in some of the more physical drills and Torrey Mitchell had a “maintenance day,” working out, but not skating.

That’s courtesy of the team’s media relations department because what with the two-hour time change and nearly three hour flight from Orange County, I didn’t make it to the suburban rink for today’s practice (more on that later).

Which means all I’ve really got to contribute beyond that would be a rehash of locker room comments after Sunday night’s embarrassing performance and I don’t know how long anybody wants to wallow in that.

Advertisement

Still, maybe I’ll throw in a couple things beyond the print edition coverage where it was pretty obvious Dan Boyle did not like what he saw and neither did his coach.

Todd McLellan backed Boyle’s assessment that maybe half the team showed up last night, but stopped short of seconding the notion that the team was “coasting” to the finish line, same as last season.

“You’re probably getting him at an emotional moment,” McLellan said of Boyle’s comment. “I don’t think there’s been a lot of coast in our team since the break. . . .He’s proably not happy with the effort tonight.”

McLellan was also asked if he was concerned about his team’s play as of late.

“You evaluate your team on a nightly basis,” he responded. “The last three or four games, we played pretty well. Tonight wasn’t a very good game so if you ask me at this moment, yeah, I’m concerned about tonight’s effort.”

Boyle was asked if the Sharks were surprised by the Ducks because Anaheim hadn’t been playing well as of late.

“Not at all,” he said. “They’re a team that’s fighting for their playoff lives and they have been for weeks. It wasn’t from a lack of respect. You’re not going to see that from us. . . . We knew they were going to be ready. We talked about it. We’re very well aware of their stuation and the type of guys they’ve got over there. It wasn’t from a lack of preparation.”

Dallas, in case you hadn’t noticed lately, is another team that has done almost nothing as of late, going 1-5-1 since the Olympic break. Will be interesting to see how things play out tomorrrow night.

Just a few personal things to add.

Advertisement

****Evilducks, had I realized that was you in the Sharks jersey sitting just below the press box, I’m sure I would have done more than just nod in your direction. Maybe you should wear a name tag next time you’re in the Honda Center. Big one. Visible. I’m sure the fans there would get a kick out of it.

****Johnny San Jose, hope you and your buddies enjoy the trip — though I might’ve been tempted to take in three Western Canada games and let Dallas slide if only to condense the travel a little bit and get to Edmonton (not as bad as they make you believe, especially if you’re there for hockey).

****Sometimes you guess right when it comes to making travel arrangements. I could have taken a 6:45 a.m. flight out of Orange County today that would have gotten me here with MAYBE enough time to catch the Sharks at the end of practice. I decided maybe wasn’t good enough, though, and opted for a few hours extra sleep.

When I got to the airport for my very civilized 10:25 a.m. flight this morning, I learned that the early morning flight had been canceled with many of the passengers filling the plane I was about to get on.

More tomorrow unless I hear back from the Sharks tonight and learn which goalie will be in the nets against the Stars.

David Pollak

David Pollak has been following the NHL forever and at the Mercury News as an editor or reporter since 1987. For almost a decade he wrote about the Sharks as the paper's Fan in the Stands before joining the sports department in 2001. He became the Sharks beat writer before the 2007-08 season and began this blog at that time. You can also follow him on Twitter at @PollakOnSharks.

Good to hear… I don’t have direct TV but I felt for you guys… and hopefully we can watch the sharks on it (meaning they get out of the first two rounds)

Adam

Commence holding breath.

bruce

FC…thanks for the heads up! Just in time for Sharks-Wild next week! YAY!

garlicbulb

#2

Thanks for the note on Versus. Might have had something to do with the court case that the cable companies lost last week. So if the Sharks do progress in the playoffs, we will get to see them on Directv!

NickG

#6 garlic – I think it came down to money, not a court case.

#2 FC Sharks Fan – And yea, we’ve been talking about it in the comment threads since it broke earlier today.

GP

I agree — money.

Comcast probably said: “We took an expensive bath for Olympics. We’re paying Conan O’Brian 45M to laugh all the way to the bank. We haven’t recouped enough from the advertising we’re losing in DTV lost eyes (boy those customers are loyal). Let’s get some money back from that stream — we’re sinking.”

OK, the last part is my opinion. We’ll find out eventually how the deal went down, eh.

holmes

Corey Perry is such a dick…If I saw him on the street I would probably punch him…pretty good player.

Jamie Davis, president of Versus, referring to viewers on DirecTV: “We look forward to super-serving these fans with NHL regular-season and playoff coverage, our first live UFC event and much more.”

Awesome! Now we’re gonna SUPER-SERVED!!

g-man

Holmes, if you punched Corey Perry on the street, he’d wait until your back was turned and cross check you…he’s just that kinda guy. Does have great skills, indeed. Like Chris Pronger. Same MO.

Nick

Sweet. Calgary/Detroit starts in 20 minutes and it’s on Yahoo. No crummy feeds for me, just the straight goods.

Let’s see who ends the night in 8th…

MetalSharks

Nick G and GP…it was a court case that Comcast lost. But if you want to get technical the whole lawsuit was based on Comcast wanting to the satellite services to pay extra for their sports channels. The satellite companies cried foul and won their case.

Do you think Morgan Spurlock will make a documentary, “Superserve Me” where he watches Versus for 2000 hours until he bloats to 400 pounds and his brain leaks out his ears?

Guitarguy

I am a 10 year DTV subscriber to the tune of $200 a month. I have called and written letters multiple times to complain and threaten to leave when my contract (I got a new receiver two Novs. ago) is up in November. Maybe these things help? I doubt it. It all most likely came down to money and if Comcast would have continued to hold out I would have called my Congress persons. Thing is, if they do this with Vesus, are MSNBC, USA, CNBC or any of the other former NBC brands next? It is dangerous to allow cable companies to own channels because of these competitive issues. This merger should have been denied. Glad to get it back so I don’t have to watch it on Justin.

Nick

Detroit wins. Guuuuuuuuurgh….

Those jerks had better wind up 7th or something. They’re going to be a no-fun first round surprised for whatever team they draw. Doesn’t matter if it’s San Jose or Chicago. Either of those teams might beat Detroit, but neither one will enjoy it very much…

pac northwest

Here is a link to the FCC ruling last week which underlies the decision of Comcast (Versus) to come to an agreement with Directv.http://tiny.cc/CcLxd

Jeff in SJ

Sad story on Cheechoo by Emmons just posted on the Merc’s main site:

mercurynews.com/sharks/ci_14682220

Feel bad for the guy . . .

GP

I hear ya Guitarguy. There are many problems that could be seen with decisions made by Comcast if they officially get NBC.

One scenario, They literally could pull NBC off the over-the-air feed and contain it solely on the cable distribution. Realistically, I doubt they would. But, the point is they could and wouldn’t that be a mess.

GP

Jeff in SJ,

I think you’re right about the sad part, just the premise though IMO. To me, I read that the guy is still determined.

GP

Hit send to early.

That is positive to me. It’s a long shot, but the Sen’s could still call him up after the season ends.

CoastalLiving

Versus is back??? WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Now if they’ll just stop blacking out CSN CA every time a game comes on up here in Humboldt…

DMan

Versus back gets my NHL For POs and Tour De France for summer viewing.

Andy C

Detroit now 7-2-1 in their last 10 & 3 points clear of 9th…
Rather than willing them to lose every game and miss out of the playoffs, its time to start willing them up to 5th or 6th spot…

Shrkfinatic

I was at a home show last weekend and talked to the DTV guy. I asked him when we were getting VS back and he said a few days. That was on Saturday. Said DTV and Comcast had over 30 meetings the last 2 weeks. I asked if it would cost more and he said no.

My sister had other DTV issues, so she has to call them back today. THey were supposed to get an HD receiver and the installer installed a regular box. DTV refused to help since my BIL had signed the contract that he had the right box. How’s he supposed to know if the installer says it’s HD?

john

I want to see Vlasic and demers play on the thrid pairing down the stretch , i loved watching those two before Vlasic got hurt…..

ice

poor cheech. i hope that guy finds a place to succeed.

GP

Shrkfinatic,

DTV HD, look a the guide…all channels that have HD will have 2 listed. The 1st is HD, the second is std def.

Or, hit the guide button twice and you see a menu that allows you to filter channels in a few ways. Only HD is one selection.

If you don’t see those options, the box isn’t HD or the HD service isn’t active on the box.

BTW: it doesn’t matter if he TV is HD capable.

NB Finfan

The Sharks do not have a lock on the number 1 seed yet. Chicago could pass them, and if they dont get straightened out the Yote’s could overtake them knocking them down to 4th. Too early to really worry about post season matches. Bottom line, if they play to their capabilities then it isnt going to matter who they play.

mdgolf

Re: Sharks…I’m disgusted with their current attitude. No playoff opponent fears them.

Re: DirecTV/Versus….The carriage disputes like the DTV and VS should start to be a thing of the past especially if the Comcast/NBCU deal becomes reality.

The days of using consumers as a negotiating tool will likely be replaced by the FCC getting involved and arbitration as the tool to decide what the fees and terms will be. Programming will not be able to be witheld during the process.

The FCC doesn’t want to get involved, but after the last couple of episodes which only made consumers suffer, and because these companies can’t settle things like grown-ups but instead want to bully one another when they have the hammer to squeeze blood from a stone, they have no choice but to protect the consumer.

JB

re: #29 – Shrkfinatic, you can find the brand and model # on the receiver and search the web for information or call DTV customer service and check with them that it’s HD compatible and that’s what the installer reported installed. Your BIL can check the last part himself on DTV’s website after creating an user account, there’s a place for their hardware profile, subscription info, etc.

Nick

How many years are left on Cheechoo’s contract?

I think he still has a lot to contribute to any club’s locker-room environment off ice, and 3rd line (2nd on a hot streak) on ice. The only issue is his contract… Isn’t it something like $4 million a year? That’s too much for a third liner… But a million a year? Hell yeah.

He won’t be putting up 50+ goals again, he probably won’t be putting up 30+ again. But he certainly has a place on any NHL team. It’s just a matter of getting that role and that paycheck to match up.

Btw, DirecTv says VS’ return will not accompany a rate increase. Perhaps it’s coincidence my bill just went up %5.7 this cycle.

NickG

To all those who think the Sharks need to play near perfection to finish up the season to make or win the SCF, I don’t think that argument is necessarily true. Playing well into the playoffs is important, but to win every game? Not so much. (Although last year’s penguins were on a tear.)

It seems that there isn’t much correlation between SC winners, runner ups and the Sharks every season…

2008-09 Penguins – 14-2-3 (won last 3 going into playoffs; fleury played all but two games in this stretch)
2008-09 Red Wings – 10-7-2 (Two consecutive losses happened twice in this stretch; lost last two games of season)
2008-09 Sharks – 11-8-2 (lost last two games of season)

2007-08 Red Wings – 12-3-1 (lost two games back-to-back in March)
2007-08 Penguins – 11-5-1 (lost last game of season)
2007-08 Sharks – 14-2-3 (didn’t lose in regulation in March; lost last two games of season)

Let me clarify my post. There are some here concerned that we will have to play Detroit in round 1. They are hoping Detroit will place anywhere but in the 8 spot. I was just pointing out that Det could finish in another spot, 5, 6, or 7 and we may end up playing them round 1 anyway. Thats it.

IMO, this team has the horses to go through any team in the league like a buzz saw. They just need to play that way. The only thing that I am hoping for is they do not disappoint.

Johnny San Jose

DP — Thanks for the well wishes. I’ll re-introduce myselft if I see you and explain the Dallas over Edmonton decision.

rogrrr

Thanks to FC sharks fan re Versus. I had no idea. I was almost resigned to missing a slew of playoff games…or attempting to watch
them online…

Shrkfinatic

I think the real issue is the installer insisting the box is HD, lying about it, then DTV playing hardball with my BIL.